[Ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation for benign solid thyroid nodule: a pilot study]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Benign solid thyroid nodules (BSTN) are common, often requiring treatment for cosmetic or symptomatic reasons.
• Traditional treatments can be invasive or have limitations.
• Percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) is an emerging minimally invasive technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the procedural method, safety profile, and short-term efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) for treating benign solid thyroid nodules (BSTN).

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 12 patients with single BSTN treated with ultrasound-guided PLA.
• Post-treatment assessment included conventional ultrasonography for size and blood flow, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for ablation extent, and monitoring of complications and thyroid function.
• A control group of 12 untreated patients with BSTN was followed for comparison.

Main Results:

• Successful treatment completion in all 12 patients.
• Significant gradual reduction in nodule volume (P<0.05) and disappearance of blood flow signals observed.
• Complete ablation rate of 91.7% (11/12 nodules) confirmed by CEUS immediately post-treatment.
• Transient, manageable pain reported in 3 patients; no significant adverse effects on thyroid function (P>0.05).
• Control group showed no significant changes in nodule volume or thyroid function over 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided PLA is a safe and effective minimally invasive therapeutic option for benign solid thyroid nodules.
• The procedure demonstrates a high complete ablation rate with minimal short-term complications.
• PLA does not appear to adversely affect thyroid function in the short term.